13th August, 2020 Prime Minister Hon Rev Dr Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa launched Tonga’s Trade Policy Framework (TTPF) and the National e-Commerce Readiness Assessment under the theme ‘Weaving a Sustainable Trade for Tonga’ yesterday evening at Ancient Tonga, Fangaloto.
The development of TTPF started in early 2016 through technical assistance from the Paicific Islands and support from the International Trade Centre and the Commonwealth Secretariat through the Hubs and Spokes Programme. A series of consultations with government and non-government stakeholders were convened during the development of TTPF.
The work to formulate the National e-Commerce Readiness started last year led by the Ministry of Trade and Economic Development in collaboration with the Ministry of MEIDECC and was supported by the Australian Government.
Hon Tu’i’onetoa said the “theme provides a forward looking approach to consider trade opportunities in the long run. This theme highlights the interrelationship between the national e-Commerce readiness assessment and the trade policy framework.”
He said the framework was developed with the hope of providing a pathway to address challenges and reposition Tonga’s social economic development with Tonga’s Strategic Development Framework II.
The framework is grouped into four pillars which include –
- Industrial and investment development
- Export development and trade facilitation
- Development of trade supporting institutional services; and
- Inclusivity and citizens economic empowerment.
“The key objective of this policy framework has been mainstreamed into the Strategic Development Framework 2015 – 2025. This policy has recommended to address the barriers of trade and on trade negotiations suitable to guide the public policy for the next eight years. It also acknowledges the role our development partners in supporting to expand our trade capacity.”
“It will be useful to attract and mobilise aid for trade and other assistance for capacity building and investment in Tonga. It provides a useful model for Tonga to measure its readiness for e-Commerce along policy areas including e-Commerce trade logistics, trade facilitation, ICT infrastructure, legal and regulatory framework and skills development.”
Minister for Trade and Economic Development Hon Samiu Vaipulu said, “The final trade policy framework reflects the views of all stakeholders consulted.”
According to Hon Vaipulu the National e-Commerce Readiness “provides a thorough assessment of Tonga’s e-Commerce environment whereby identifying the key issues in challenges during the consultations and establishes priorities for the Government of Tonga to consider and proposes avenues to mobilise funding for e-Commerce activities from donor partners.”
The event were attended by government officials, members of the diplomatic corps and guests.
ENDS
Issued by the: Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications.